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Tuesday, 30 December 2014

2014 has been quite a good year for me, although I don't like to judge how my year has gone, mostly because I forget what has actually happened in it, and also as I like to live without thinking of what has happened in the past. Saying that, I thought I'd hop onto the bandwagon of '2014 roundup' posts, and produce one of my own, with 5 things I hope to do/continue into next year I learnt from the last - scary stuff.

1. Working hard DOES help you achieve your targets: this year, after completing a science GCSE early, I revised for a solid 6 weeks and came out with an A* - and I really do not like the subject. As for me, this year is the year I have to sit my exams and work as hard as possible (without overstressing as I tend to), that result gave me the boost I needed, to confirm to myself that I can actually achieve my high targets, with hard work.

2. Revision, revision, revision: as just mentioned, I've learnt that preparation is essential, so this year will be the year I 'knuckle down'. I've got a timetable in place and mocks approaching, so lets hope 2015 allows me to succeed as well as last year.

3. Keep it up: the one on everyone's list - keep up blogging. I am literally kicking myself for not giving 100% in the last few months on here, because 2014 could easily have been the year I met 1000 followers, which has been my all time goal, since I started 'Meganails' in 2010 *dies inside*. Too often I become demotivated and compare my blog to others, which makes me really frustrated that I can't afford the latest releases, and I don't have a photographer to take outfit posts, or the money to buy a new blog design or the skills to mess with HTML - but I need to remember that 900 of you seem to like it, without all the fancy bits and bobs. Although I'll have a workload to cope with, I really do want to be motivated with my little internet space and provide two quality posts a week, at least. I think that starts with buying a blogging book, which I've heard is actually a brilliant way to create meaningful and planned posts, that take time and effort. I did have one before, although I think I'm in need of a revamp - TKMaxx, here I come.

4. Do what makes ME happy: I feel like it all to often I almost hide what I really like to do, because I'm sure you'll all know that being at school does have a tendency to make you conform to the expected social standards of a teenager. Nobody really knows about my blog apart from about 8 people, and I think when people make fun of it, I shouldn't be knocked - it's my hobby, just like some play football or dance. This year, I want to be proud of it, and share what makes me happy with more people. I might even go as far as starting YouTube... woah, I know.

5. Sixteen & Cornwall: these are just two things I am looking forward to in the coming year. I'll be turning 16 (right in the middle of exam season, aren't I lucky?), and the annual Cornish holiday will be happening again. I literally look forward to that week out of the year, because I don't really like flying, but Cornwall is like a little British Paradise with the cutest coves, and tan-enabling weather. That is of course, if it is sunny there. I have family down there too and in general, I just love the place. My only qualm is that there is not a H&M or Topshop for miles down there, although I think a break from retails is probably much needed for a shopaholic like me.

Overall, I'm rather please with myself for getting this far with blogging in 2014. Knowing me, I tend to go through phases of obsessions, but this one seems to have stuck. If you would have told me in 2010 that I'd still be writing posts 4 years later, I would have thought you were mad. But thank you all for commenting and reading my posts (here's the emotional bit). It means a hell of a lot that you lovelies leave kind words, and hopefully this year, will be the year I give 110% into The Beauty Pier (or Lady Tall... I want to do a name change but unimaginative me is struggling).

Monday, 29 December 2014

Of course, with Christmas comes the variety of beauty products in gift and sale format I just cannot refuse. I actually received mostly clothes for Christmas, which I absolutely loved, and I'm rather pleased I did so, as it meant I had no qualms with buying some more beauty products in the sales, with money I've received for Christmas. So this post is a haul; of Christmas gifts, sale bargains, and random beauty purchases.

Lauren, who I'm certain you all know, had me for secret santa, a new thing we decided to do in our friendship group. Along with a lovely beige H&M scarf, she also gifted me the Nars Orgasm and Laguna Duo. It was so strange, as I literally had an asos basket I was tipping to checkout with the night before, containing an identical scarf and Laguna. I think you could say we have some sort of twin connection. She also kindly gave me an Aussie Gift Set as well - Lauren, you did good.

From my soon to be Auntie and my Uncle, they got me three items for Christmas that I literally squealed when I opened. These included the Esteé Lauder Perfectionist Wrinkle Lifting Serum (not that I have wrinkles, but I can still put this to good use around the eye area, that requires so extra tlc), the Esteé Lauder Pure Colour Nail Polish in Blue Blood, and a Mac Studio Sculpt Shade and Line in Ebony Blend. It meant so much to be given such lovely gifts this year.

My nan (I know she'll be reading this), also got me a lovely Super Beauty Raspberry and Cranberry Body Scrub. It smells absolutely delicious, and I can't wait to use it on my legs especially, as they tend to get a bit dry in the winter. Thank you nan!

Now for the sale purchases. In Boots, firstly, obligatorily I had to check out what was left of the half price beauty gift sets. Admittedly, I wasn't too bothered by them this year; none really caught my eye especially, but when I saw the Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick Trio for £8, I could not leave it, considering one retails for that price, I bagged the bargain of three instead.

Now for the Next sales. I picked up a jumper and a pair of shoes, both of which I've returned since (both didn't fit nicely). However, I had much more luck with NYX. Many Next stores hold a little NYX stand, and as I approached the makeup glory I didn't expect it to be on sale as well, but low behold, it was. So I took full advantage of this, purchasing 6 Jumbo Eye Pencils at £2.00 each (Bronze, Milk, Yogurt, Dark Brown, Sparkle Leopard, Rust), along with 3 Butter Glosses (Tiramisu, Créme Brulee, Peach Cobbler) at £2 each as well, on Saturday. I actually went back to the store today to sort out returns, and came away with three more items, hence why they aren't pictured. I found two Matte Lipsticks (Butter and Whipped Caviar) as well as a Dewy Finish Setting Spray all for £3 each. If you've been wanting to try out some NYX products, I'd recommend skipping down to Next asap. Actually, scrap that... bloody sprint to your nearest store. These sales won't last forever!

Wednesday, 24 December 2014

I know what you're thinking. Megan? Two posts? Two days in a row? Whaaaaat?
I'm shocked at myself as well! However, I just had to share these beautiful Christmas nails before the big day, as I though those of you who may want to buy them would find it very frustrating to see them after Christmas.

At the Clothes Show Live, there was a small stand of false nails, from Henry Holland and Elegnat Touch. Its safe to say I did go a little wild - bringing back 7 pairs at £1.50 each, one of them this gaudy, cringey, novelty Christmas set. I shouldn't love them, but I do, and this year, I plan to wear them on the 25th.

Whether they are a good product, I don't know yet, although I won't really be wanting them to last too long - more of a one day thing.

Tuesday, 23 December 2014

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Shoetique, and asked if I would like to pick a pair of shoes fomr their website. Of course I jumped at the chance, maybe even squealing as I read the email, as their site hold some brilliant brands, like Dr. Martens, Clarks, Hunter, and Barbour, among others. However, it was a brand I'd never heard of that caught my eye - Gabor. Knee high boots are so on trend right now, so I thought it would be wise to get a pair of my own. Although they aren't exactly over the knee, they come just below it, and are made of the softest quality leather. I got them in an 8, my usual size, and although they're a little too big, I'm quite pleased I've got the extra room, as it means I can wear some cosy socks underneath. I think a 7.5 would have been a better fit, although I could not see that size in stock on the website at the time. Another aspect to mention is the fit around the leg. These are a medium calf size, which is unfortunately the only calf size available on Shoetique (but directly from Gabor I believe there are three to choose from). They're a teeny bit big, but nothing unbearable, and I do have quite slim legs, so it was to be expected that they wouldn't be perfectly tight. Surprisingly to me though, they're actually not too bad at all.

Despite this, I'm besotted with them. They're called the Black Brook* boots, and retail at £150.00, although are discounted currently on the site. I must mention that delivery was also very speedy, and they actually offer free next day delivery on orders over £40, and a free two day delivery on orders below - not something you see very often now.

I've been wearing these with jeans and festive leggings so far, although I can imagine they'd look brilliant with skirts as well. They're practical and fashionable - what's not to like?

Megan x

PS. I do apologise the pictures aren't up to scratch. I tried so many times to take some arty shots of the boots but I found it so difficult. Note to self - practice photographing larger objects.

Friday, 19 December 2014

As I began to gather my recent purchases and plan blog ideas, I thought to present to you my failsafe Christmas ensemble, in under £50.

The dress here is a short, black and silver sparkly mini. I love the sleeves in particular, as they are 3/4 length and the whole garment is so comfortable and versatile to wear. This cost a teeny £25 from Monki, and it's such a staple I can vision myself styling for a long time.

For shoes, I am planning to pair my H&M heels with most party season combinations. They were £14.99, and literally my perfect shoe - not too high, black, and minimalistic.

To complete the look, I've chosen some jewellery bits I've had for ages: a Miss Selfridge chain (around £4 at the time) and some H&M rings (around £4 rather recently). I also chucked in a nail polish as a little touch, of which I chose the Rimmel Rita Ora Nail Polish in Lets Get Nude (£3.69). This is such a Kim Kardashian bare shade, that looks especially good on longer nails.

Altogether, this ensemble costs just over £50. For a versatile party outfit that can be worn again and again, I think that's pretty darn reasonable.

Tuesday, 16 December 2014

As I've talked about before, a few weekends ago I spent a Saturday in London. Being the capital, of course it was going to be busy, but oh my gosh... I've never seen anything like it. Shoulder to shoulder down Oxford Street from 9 o'clock in the morning to the same time at night.That said, I still managed to purchase some bits for myself, amongst Christmas presents. Kiko had a 30% black Friday discount code, so of course I made sure to take advantage and pick some lip bits up.

For less than £15 (the lipsticks were on offer at £2.50 and the lip liners on offer at £1.90, plus 30% off), I picked up 5 lippies (two not pictured as they were Lauren's presents), and two lip liners.

It was absolutely manic in the store, with crowds of people huddled around the gorgeous stand of lippies. Therefore, I had to grab my choices quickly. I thought I picked up two nice plums and a nude, although it looks like I came away with a bright orange and a red (907/908). Not my first choices, but still staple colours I needed anyway. I also got a nude, that actually SUITS ME. Yes, you read that correctly. A nude. That compliments my skin tone. Whaaaattt. It's a little deeper than your average nude, but it almost borders on the peachy variation of the Kylie Jenner lip. My cup of tea completely (901).

The lipliners were quick picks, and I knew I needed another KJ-esque shade to duplicate her look. I picked up shade 700 Light Sienna, a peachy nude liner that works well with the nude lipstick. I've been using this on a daily basis, to slightly enlarge my lips and add a little bit of colour. The other is 710 Rouge Noir, a deep plummy purple shade that I purchased to coordinate with my favourite Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 107. They were so cheap I couldn't resist.

Saturday, 13 December 2014

What I find with accessories, is that they tend to be very seasonal most of the time - especially when it comes to coloured pieces. I don't know what it is about H&M, but they're so on point at the moment. Rather recently, I've collected some really versatile pieces I can see I'll be wearing throughout the summer as well. I think one of the advantages of wearing shades of black, white and grey, is that they go with everything, especially silver items. The sunglasses above were £5.99, and a style I've always adored, but have never suited me. I remember spotting these in my local once, and leaving them behind as I was saving; and they vanished since. So as I spotted a single pair on the racks, I snatched them up quickly. Ray Ban Wayfarers have been on my list for such a long time, so to find a mildly reminiscent pair for a fraction of the price, floated my boat immensely.
Also, I managed to score some real bargains in the sale section. The rings featured above are different designs from two packs, at £2 each for around 10 in each. They're silver, but so dented they appear sparkly, and for such a nail fanatic like me, they make any manicure. The thin midi and normal variations are also beautiful, being so dainty and suitable for everyday.
Lastly, the necklace is a piece of knotted silver on a little chain. This was £1, and again, a little piece perfect for layering, and for simple accessorising. Perfection.

Wednesday, 10 December 2014

Being a 6ft tall teenager, heels are often on the end of my priorities list. I tend to reach for flats everyday, although with the annual party season occurring again, I felt like I needed some basic black shoes to combine with my crimbo ensembles.

In H&M, I found this beautifully chic pair of reasonably sized heels. They're the style I absolutely adore; minimalistic and basic. For so long I searched for these, having spotted them on the shelves of my local store months back. Come last week, I was on a frantic scavenger hunt to locate them once more, which included a trawl of 4 London stores - all of which DID NOT HAVE THEM. I finally did find them again where I first spotted them, so you can imagine the wide grin on my face as I took them to the tills to part with a mere £14.99.

The reason I adore this pair so much is that the height is reasonable. It's just over a 3 inch heel I think, which means they are relatively easy to walk in (although practice was compulsory for me) and don't make me a complete giant, (although I really do love embracing my tallness and I don't think height should stop anybody wearing what they want). I cannot wait to pair these with my new Monki dress (post coming soon), or nude slacks and a white v neck. I've got a few birthday meals with friends coming up, so hopefully these will be getting some good wear.

Sunday, 7 December 2014

And Other Stories is a brand I've cyber stalked for a long time, although it wasn't until last weekend I got to try out a few things. I'm sure it's associated with H&M, so I knew I'd adore it all in there, and I did. It was such a shame the only time I was in the Regent Street store, I was saving for other things! Anyway, I purchased three little beauty bits as a taster, and so far I'm loving them all.

The first thing I saw was the Plissé Lip Balm. I went through a whole lip balm obsession/phase, and now I'm finding the ones I loved just aren't floating my boat, and are getting a bit ancient. At £5, I decided to buy this as an everyday lip treatment. Winter has well and truly arrived, and although there's perks for this chilly season; flaky lips aren't one of them. Therefore, I am enjoying this as a cure for the dreaded chapped pout.

The Shinjuku Bloom Hand Soap was a product I marched straight to the tills with, as it smelt delicious. It's floral, sweet, girly... and smells like washing detergent - I LOVE IT (that does sound strange I know). This was only £4, and I'm absolutely loving having it around in the bathroom - who doesn't want amazing smelling hands?

Lastly, a nail polish. I feel like their range is so coveted, it would be rude of me not to acknowledge the colours. I picked up Orchid Mauve (£5) in a mad dash to the tills without much thought, although I'm still so in love with the colour. So much so, in fact it is now donning my fingernails and toes. It's a cool pink creme - the perfect winter pastel.

After my small trial of & Other Stories products, I'm really impressed with the brand. I hope to give the clothing range a go soon as well - if my purse permits.